JP2011204292A - Content management device, management method, management system, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content management device, a management method, and a management system which briefly express tree type hierarchical folder structure for classifying and managing a large amount of content data.SOLUTION: The content management device has: a means for storing at least a folder data base and a content data base; a means for detecting a direction and tilt of the device; a display means for displaying data stored in a recording means; a means for generating the display data for displaying folder constitution of the folder data base and content data of the content data base on the display means based on information detected by a sensor means; and a control means controlling the sensor mens and a user interface means. The means for generating display data generates display data by switching a vertical type folder user interface displaying the tree type hierarchical folder structure and a horizontal type folder user interface.

Description

  The present invention relates to a content management apparatus, a management method, a management system, a program, and a recording medium that classify and manage a large amount of content data.

  Currently, a large amount of content data can be stored in a device in a digital device such as an HDD recorder (Hard disk drive recorder) or a portable audio player. In addition, an increase in the capacity of the storage device and H.264. With the widespread use of high compression codecs such as H.264, the number of contents that can be stored in the storage device is expected to increase in the future.

  In order to allow users to classify and manage such a large amount of content data, a conventional device has used a content management system using a one-layer folder and a search system using a genre and a keyword.

  However, in consideration of an increase in the number of contents that can be stored in a future device, it is expected that it will become increasingly difficult to manage a large amount of contents according to user preferences in a content management system using a one-layer folder. Is done. Further, it is expected that narrowing down of conditions will become increasingly difficult even if a search system using genres and keywords is used.

  For these reasons, it is considered that a content management system having a tree-type hierarchical folder structure used in a personal computer (PC) is suitable as a system for managing a large amount of content data. As a means for expressing this tree-type hierarchical folder structure, for example, as in Windows (registered trademark) Explorer, the window (display screen) is divided into two, and the tree structure of the folder is graphically displayed in one window. In general, a lower folder and contents included in the folder selected in the other window are displayed.

  In Patent Document 1, a server connected via a network creates profile data in which the size of a display font is changed based on the screen size (resolution or number of pixels) of a client display device or display unit, and transmits the profile data to the client. An invention is disclosed in which a client implements a GUI (Graphical User Interface) with reference to profile data. This is where the server receives information such as the screen size of the client's display, and based on the display function, for example, creates profile data that changes the menu and button layout, font size, and display position on the screen. To do.

JP 2006-236323 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, in a small display mounted on an OSD (On-Screen-Display) or a portable audio player used in an HDD recorder or the like, a user interface (UI) is represented. It is difficult to express or operate a tree-type hierarchical folder structure due to limited capabilities and the ability to use only a simple input device such as a remote control.

  In addition, the display method cannot be switched appropriately depending on the aspect ratio of the display screen, the orientation of the device, the number of contents to be displayed, and the number of characters. For example, a list of contents to be displayed and the name of the contents can be displayed within the frame of the screen. There is a problem such as not being able to be displayed.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a content management apparatus, a management method, and a management system capable of concisely expressing a tree-type hierarchical folder structure for classifying and managing a large amount of content data. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, a content management apparatus according to the present invention includes a recording unit that stores at least a folder database and a content database, a sensor unit that detects the orientation and inclination of the apparatus, and data stored in the recording unit. Based on information detected by the sensor means, user interface means for generating display data for displaying the folder structure of the folder database and the content data of the content database on the display means, sensor means, Control means for controlling the user interface means, and the user interface means generates display data by switching between a vertical folder user interface for displaying a tree-type hierarchical folder structure and a horizontal folder user interface. The features.

  A content management system according to the present invention is a content management system comprising a content management device and a client terminal device connected to a network, wherein the content management device includes interface means for transmitting and receiving data, at least a folder database and a content database. A tree type hierarchy for displaying the folder configuration of the folder database and the content data of the content database on the terminal device based on the orientation and inclination information of the terminal device received from the client terminal device. User interface means for generating display data by switching between a vertical folder user interface for displaying a folder structure and a horizontal folder user interface, and a user interface unit are controlled. A client terminal device, interface means for transmitting and receiving data, display means for displaying display data received from the content management device, sensor means for detecting the orientation and inclination of the device, and client terminal And a control means for controlling the apparatus.

  A content management method according to the present invention includes at least a recording process for storing a folder database and a content database, a sensor process for detecting the orientation and inclination of a display unit and a device, and a folder database based on information detected by the sensor process. Display data generation that generates display data by switching between a vertical folder user interface that displays a tree-type hierarchical folder structure and a horizontal folder user interface in order to display the folder structure and content database content data on the display unit And a step of displaying the generated display data on a display unit.

  A content management method according to the present invention is a content management method of a content management system comprising a content management device and a client terminal device connected to a network, wherein the content management device transmits and receives data, and at least a folder In order to display the folder structure of the folder database and the content data of the content database on the terminal device based on the recording process for storing the database and the content database, and the orientation and inclination information of the terminal device received from the client terminal device A user interface process for generating display data by switching between a vertical folder user interface and a horizontal folder user interface for displaying a tree-type hierarchical folder structure, and a user interface A control process for controlling the communication unit, an interface process in which the client terminal device transmits and receives data, a display process for displaying display data received from the content management apparatus, and a sensor for detecting the orientation and inclination of the apparatus And a control step of controlling the client terminal device.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the content management method described above.

  A recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the content management method described above is recorded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content management apparatus, a management method, and a management system capable of simply expressing a tree-type hierarchical folder structure for classifying and managing a large amount of content data.

It is a block diagram of the content management apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the logical folder structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen transition of the vertical folder user interface (UI) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen transition of the horizontal folder user interface (UI) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the content management of 1st Embodiment, and a content display. It is a figure explaining the content management method in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the content management of 2nd Embodiment, and a content display. It is a figure explaining the display method of the display screen of the conventional information processing apparatus. It is a figure explaining the display method of the display screen of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the display method of the display screen of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 1 is a configuration diagram of a content management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure explaining the flow of a process with the content management apparatus and client terminal device in the content management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a content management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The content management device 5 includes a recording unit 10, a control unit 20, and a display unit 30. The recording unit 10 includes a folder database 11 and a content database 12. The control unit 20 includes a user interface unit 21, a folder management unit 22, a content management unit 23, a sensor unit 24, and an input / output I / F.

  The recording unit 10 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The recording unit 10 includes various data, programs, folder information, and information on downloaded contents such as still images, moving images, and music. And the contents are recorded. The folder database 11 stores folder information such as each application. For example, what kind of folder exists, folder information such as content name, content, identifier, capacity, date and time. The content database 22 stores information and contents as data for each content.

  The control unit 20 controls the entire content management apparatus 5. The user interface unit 21 refers to the information of the folder management unit 22, the information of the content management unit 23, and the information of the sensor unit 24, and generates data for displaying the folder configuration and content details on the display unit 30. To the display unit 30. The folder management unit 22 manages information of the folder database 11 stored in the recording unit 10. For example, the latest folder information is always written and held in synchronization with the folder database 11 of the recording unit 10 when the content management apparatus 5 is turned on. When there is a reference from the user interface unit 21, the latest information is transferred. The content management unit 23 manages information on content data stored in the recording unit 10. For example, the latest content information is always written and held in synchronization with the content database 12 of the recording unit 10 when the content management device 5 is turned on. When there is a reference from the user interface unit 21, the latest information is transferred. Note that the folder management unit 22 and the content management unit 23 are not limited to a nonvolatile memory, for example, and may store information in a volatile memory in order to always hold the latest information. The sensor unit 24 detects the state of the device and the display unit such as the orientation and tilt of the content management device 5, for example, the state of the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, the portrait and landscape, and is referred to from the user interface unit 21. If there is, give the latest information. The input / output I / F is an interface for data transmission / reception and communication with an external device (not shown).

  The display unit 30 displays a folder configuration, content contents, menus, and the like based on the display data generated by the user interface unit 21. When a menu or the like is displayed, an information input unit from the user is obtained by selecting the menu contents in a touch panel format or an arrow format (up / down / left / right buttons).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a logical folder structure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, an example of a television program is shown. A root directory 1 is in the highest hierarchy, and a directory 2 of variety by genre is in one hierarchy below. There is a folder structure in which there is a quiz directory 3 by type and a file 4 of program 1, program 2,.

  Next, a method for displaying content data (tree-type hierarchical folder structure) applied in the present embodiment on the display unit will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition of a vertical folder user interface (UI) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the vertical folder user interface (UI) will be described below with reference to FIG.

  A content display unit 41 that displays subfolders (401, 402, 403,...) 41 and contents (401B1, 401B2,...) 43 included in a folder 40 in a vertical list that displays the list list format, a current folder, It has a folder display section 42 that displays the folders of the same hierarchy included in the same upper folder in a horizontal row. The folder display unit 42 displays the current folder (401, 402...) As a center, and the content display unit 43 that displays the contents (401A, 401B...) Of the current folder is displayed below the folder display unit 42. The

  The user can move to a lower layer folder (401B1, 401B2,...) 45 by selecting a folder (401B) displayed on the content display unit 43. In this case, a new folder display unit 44 for displaying a folder of the same hierarchy included in the same upper folder as the selected folder (401B) is generated, and is displayed below the folder display unit 44 indicating the upper hierarchy of the selected folder. The newly generated folder display unit 45 is displayed. At the same time, the contents display unit displays the contents of the selected folder (401B1, 401B2,...). As the hierarchy of the current folder becomes deeper, the folder display section (42, 44) is displayed over the top of the screen. However, the folder display section for displaying is limited to the current folder to a certain upper hierarchy. May be.

  The user can move to another folder at the same level as the current folder included in the upper folder including the current folder by pressing the left / right button 46. For example, when the right button is pressed, the folder 402 displayed on the right side of the current folder 401 in the folder display unit 42 is selected. At this time, the contents display section 43 displays the contents of the newly selected folder (402A, 402B...).

  The user can move to a higher folder including the current folder 44 by pressing the return button 47. In this case, the folder display unit 44 that displays the folder hierarchy selected so far is deleted, and the content display unit 43 displays the contents included in the upper folder 42.

  As described above, the display method of the present embodiment effectively uses the vertical resolution of the display screen.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition of a horizontal folder user interface (UI) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Next, the horizontal folder user interface (UI) will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The subfolders (501, 502...) And the file list 51 included in the current directory 50 are displayed in a line on the left side of the screen. The user can select subdirectories and folders (501, 502...) In the current directory 50 by pressing the up and down buttons, and the subfolders and files (501A, 501B...) Included in the selected folder 501. Are displayed in a line on the right side of the current directory 50.

  The user can move the current directory 501 to the selected folder 52 by pressing the enter button or the right button after selecting the folder 501 with the up and down buttons. By repeating this operation, it is possible to move to the lower folders 53 one after another. As the hierarchy of the current folder becomes deeper (a → b → c), the upper directory display unit is displayed on the left side of the screen (see FIG. 4C). The current directory 53 may be limited to a certain upper layer.

  The user can move the current directory to the upper directory 52 by pressing the return button 54 or the left button. At this time, the cursor moves to the left.

  Thus, the display method of this embodiment effectively uses the horizontal resolution of the display screen.

  Next, features of a display method to which the vertical folder user interface (UI) and the horizontal folder user interface (UI) in the present embodiment are applied will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical folder user interface (UI) can display the folder display unit 42 and the content display unit 43 side by side in the vertical direction. This information can be displayed on the display unit 30. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, since the horizontal folder user interface (UI) can display the list displays 51, 52... In the horizontal direction, the display unit 30 is more horizontally long. Information can be displayed. As described above, by switching the user interface (UI) when the display unit is a portrait screen and a landscape screen, a larger amount of information can be displayed, so that the screen space of the display unit is not wasted and effective. You can use it. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the display unit 30 is vertically long, a vertical folder user interface (UI) is applied, and when the display unit 30 is horizontally long, a horizontal folder user interface (UI) is applied. In addition, although demonstrated as a case where a display part is vertically long or horizontally long, it is not restricted to this, A square display part is applicable.

  In addition, in a small terminal such as a portable music player or a mobile phone, there is a model in which a sensor for detecting tilt is mounted on the device itself. In this embodiment, by using this sensor, the orientation of the device at that time is detected, and when the display is used in landscape orientation, a horizontal folder user interface (UI) is applied and displayed. When the screen is used in the portrait orientation, the screen can be displayed by effectively utilizing the screen space of the display unit by applying the vertical folder user interface (UI) for display. Therefore, in this embodiment, the state of the apparatus (the orientation of the display unit) at that time is detected by a sensor, and it is determined whether the display unit is in a vertical state or a horizontal state, and based on that. Apply vertical or horizontal folder user interface (UI). Note that a known sensor such as a sensor that detects an angular velocity can be applied to the sensor that detects the orientation, inclination, and the like of the apparatus.

  Next, a content management method of the content management apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flow of content management and content display according to the first embodiment.

  When the apparatus is turned on, a menu is displayed on the display unit 30, and the user selects a content or folder from the menu (step S1). As a menu selection method, for example, a known input device such as up / down / left / right key input, remote control input, touch panel input on a display screen, or the like can be applied. Next, the sensor unit 24 detects the orientation and inclination of the display unit 30 of the apparatus (step S2). The user interface unit 21 receives the state of the display unit 30 detected by the sensor unit 24 and receives the vertical or horizontal direction. The direction is determined (step S3). In the case of the vertical direction (step S3, YES), the vertical folder user interface (UI) is applied to the screen display (step S4). Next, the user interface unit 21 receives the folder information and the content information from the folder management unit 22 and the content management unit 23, and generates display data on the display unit 30 based on the display method of the vertical folder user interface (step). S5). The display unit 30 displays content data based on the generated data (step S6). When the display unit 30 is in the horizontal direction (step S3, NO), the horizontal folder user interface (UI) is applied to the screen display (step S7). Next, the user interface unit 21 receives the folder information and the content information from the folder management unit 22 and the content management unit 23, and generates display data on the display unit 30 based on the display method of the vertical folder user interface (step). S8). The display unit 30 displays content data based on the generated data (step S6).

  Next, a content management method of the content management apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a content management method according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 6A is a display image of a vertical folder user interface (UI) applied when displaying a larger number of contents. FIG. 6B is a display image of a horizontal folder user interface (UI) applied when a large amount of character information such as a content name is displayed.

  Whether the vertical folder user interface (UI) or the horizontal folder user interface (UI) is used, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), when the user wants to display a large number of contents, the display is used vertically. It is more advantageous to do so. As shown in FIG. 6B, when it is desired to display character information such as a content name for a long time, it is advantageous to use the display horizontally.

  For example, in the case of still image data shot with a digital camera or the like, the file name is automatically added from the shooting date and time, and the value of use is low as information for determining the contents. In addition, since the data size of still images is not so large, the number of contents tends to increase. However, in the case of moving image data recorded by a TV recorder or the like, the file name has high utility value as information for determining the contents, such as program information acquired from EPG data. In addition, since the data size of the moving image is large, the number of contents tends to be smaller than in the case of photographs.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is determined whether to apply the vertical folder user interface (UI) or the horizontal folder user interface (UI) based on content information such as the type and content of the content displayed on the display unit. Further, the display method is switched by determining whether the display is portrait or landscape. Therefore, for example, when displaying still image contents as a list, the display method is switched to display the display vertically, and when displaying moving image contents as a list, the display method is switched to display horizontally.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flow of content management and content display according to the second embodiment.

  When the apparatus is turned on, a menu is displayed on the display unit 30, and the user selects a content or folder from the menu (step S10). As a menu selection method, for example, a known input device such as up / down / left / right key input, remote control input, touch panel input on a display screen, or the like can be applied. Next, the user interface unit 21 determines the type and content of the selected content based on information of the folder management unit 22 and the content management unit 23 (step S11). When the content is a still image (step S11, YES), the vertical folder user interface (UI) is applied to the screen display (step S12). Next, the user interface unit 21 receives the folder information and the content information from the folder management unit 22 and the content management unit 23, and generates display data on the display unit 30 based on the display method of the vertical folder user interface (step). S13). The display unit 30 displays the content data based on the data generated so as to be in the vertically long screen direction (step S14). When the content is a moving image (step S11, NO), the horizontal folder user interface (UI) is applied to the screen display (step S15). Next, the user interface unit 21 receives the folder information and the content information from the folder management unit 22 and the content management unit 23, and generates display data on the display unit 30 based on the display method of the vertical folder user interface (step). S16). The display unit 30 displays content data based on the data generated so as to be in the landscape orientation (step S17). The content to be displayed has been explained using still images and videos as an example. However, the display screen space is not limited to this, and the display screen space can be used to the maximum extent possible depending on the type of content and content. Apply the display method.

  Next, the third embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a conventional display screen display method of an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer. FIG. 8A shows an example of horizontal display in which the display screen editing window 60 is displayed on the left side and the list window 61 is displayed on the right side simultaneously. Although the list window 61 can display the file in a tree shape, the edit window 60 cannot display the right end of the code because the screen is smaller than the horizontal. On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows an example of a vertical display in which the list window 61 is displayed at the top of the screen and the editing window 60 is displayed at the bottom of the screen at the same time in order to display the code completely. Since the screen has spread horizontally with respect to FIG. 8A, the code can be displayed. However, since the file in the list window 61 remains in the vertical display, the lower side (lower layer) of the file cannot be displayed.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the list window 61 is displayed on the left and right edges of the display screen, the lower layer file is also displayed in the vertical list format as shown in FIG. 9B. . This is the same as the display method of the horizontal folder interface in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9C, when the list window 61 is displayed at the upper and lower edges of the display screen, the lower layer file is also displayed in a horizontal list format as shown in FIG. 9D. To do. This is the same as the display method of the vertical folder interface in the first embodiment.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, after the list window 61 is displayed on the left and right edges of the display screen, the list window is moved to the upper and lower edges of the display screen by drag and drop. It is automatically changed to a horizontal list format. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the content to be displayed is displayed on the screen at the maximum on the basis of the aspect ratio of the content to be displayed (for example, still image) and the orientation of the display screen, and the list The window 61 is displayed in a list format that can be displayed in the remaining screen space. For example, FIG. 10C shows a vertically long still image, and the list window 61 is displayed at the left and right ends of the display screen and displayed in a vertical list format. FIG. 10D shows a horizontally long still image, and the list window 61 is displayed at the top and bottom edges of the display screen and displayed in a list format in the horizontal direction. Thus, by changing the display format of the list window at the display position of the list window, the screen space can be used efficiently.

  In order to maximize the content to be automatically displayed as described above, it is based on the following algorithm. For example, in the horizontal display, the content list can be displayed on the screen of the entire list as X%, and the character information of the content can be displayed on the screen within the total number of characters as Y%. Next, in the vertical display, the content list can be displayed on the screen within the entire list as X ′%, and the character information of the content can be displayed on the screen within the total number of characters as Y ′%. And Then, (X + Y) and (X ′ + Y ′) are compared, and if (X + Y) is not less than a set threshold value, it is determined that the display is horizontal display, and if it is less than the threshold value, it is determined that the display is vertical display. To do. If (X ′ + Y ′) is equal to or greater than a set threshold value, the vertical display is determined, and if it is equal to or less than the threshold value, the horizontal display is determined. Note that the threshold value to be set may be determined based on the number and type of contents and data to be displayed, the amount of information, and the like.

  In the above description, the user interface (UI) such as Visual Studio (registered trademark) that displays the list window and the editing window at the same time has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If applicable. Furthermore, since Windows 7 (registered trademark) is equipped with a sensor API, it is possible to switch the UI by determining the orientation of the apparatus with a notebook PC or the like.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a content management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The content management system 6 includes a content management device 7 and a client terminal 90. The content management apparatus 7 includes a recording unit 70 and a control unit 80. The recording unit 70 includes a folder database 71 and a content database 72. The control unit 80 includes a user interface unit 81, a folder management unit 82, a content management unit 83, and a transmission / reception interface 85.

  The recording unit 70 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The recording unit 70 includes various data, programs, folder information, and contents of downloaded contents such as still images, videos, and music. Is recorded. The folder database 71 stores folder information such as each application. For example, what kind of folder exists, folder information such as content name, content, identifier, capacity, date and time. The content database 72 stores the content of each content as data.

  The control unit 80 controls the entire content management apparatus 7. The user interface unit 81 refers to the information of the folder management unit 82, the information of the content management unit 83, the information of the client terminal 90 received from the client terminal 90, such as the device orientation and tilt, the aspect ratio of the content data to be displayed, etc. Data for displaying the folder configuration and content contents on the client terminal 90 is generated and transmitted to the client terminal 90 via the transmission / reception interface 85. The folder management unit 82 manages information of the folder database 71 stored in the recording unit 70. For example, the latest folder information is always written and held in synchronization with the folder database 71 of the recording unit 70 when the content management apparatus 7 is turned on. When there is a reference from the user interface unit 81, the latest information is transferred. The content management unit 83 manages information on content data stored in the recording unit 70. For example, the latest content information is always written and held in synchronization with the content database 72 of the recording unit 70 when the content management device 7 is turned on. When there is a reference from the user interface unit 81, the latest information is transferred. The folder management unit 82 and the content management unit 83 are not limited to a nonvolatile memory, for example, and may store information in a volatile memory in order to always hold the latest information. The transmission / reception interface 85 transmits the display data generated by the user interface unit 81 to the client terminal 90. In addition, data information transmitted from the client terminal 90 and data information such as the orientation and inclination of the client terminal are received and transferred to the user interface unit 81.

  The client terminal 90 includes a control unit 91, a display unit 92, a sensor unit 93, and a transmission / reception interface 94. The control unit 91 controls the entire client terminal 90. The display unit 92 displays the folder configuration, content details, menus, and the like based on the display data transmitted from the content management device 7. Further, when a menu or the like is displayed, the menu content is selected in a touch panel format or an arrow format (up / down / left / right buttons) to become an information input unit of the client terminal 90. The contents are also displayed. The sensor unit 93 detects the state of the device and the display unit such as the orientation and inclination of the client terminal 90, for example, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, the vertical and horizontal states, and is referred to from the control unit 91. In case the latest information is handed over. The transmission / reception interface 94 receives display data from the content management apparatus 7. Data such as the orientation and tilt of the client terminal 90 is transmitted to the content management device 7.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing between the content management device and the client terminal device in the content management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The left side of FIG. 12 shows the processing of the client terminal device 90, and the right side shows the processing of the content management device 7. Note that data transmission / reception between the client terminal device 90 and the content management device 7 is performed via a network.

  First, the client terminal device 90 detects the current state of the device (direction, inclination, etc.) detected by the sensor unit 93 (step S21). Next, the detected state of the device itself, information such as the size of the display unit 92, and the content list request held by the content management device 7 are transmitted to the content management device 7 (step S22). The content management device 7 generates content list display data based on the received state of the client terminal device 7 and information on the display unit 92, and transmits it to the client terminal device 90 (step S23). For example, when the client terminal device 90 is in a vertically long screen state, a vertical folder user interface is applied, and when it is in a horizontally long screen state, a horizontal folder user interface is applied to generate display data. The client terminal device 90 displays a content list on the display unit 92 based on the received content list display data (step S24). The user selects content from the content list displayed on the display unit 92 (step S25). As a content selection method, for example, known input devices such as up / down / left / right key input, remote control input, touch panel input on a display screen, and the like can be applied. Next, the selected content data and the current state of the device itself are transmitted to the client terminal device 90 (step S26). The content management device 7 generates content display data based on the received state of the client terminal device 90 and the content information of the selected content (step S27). The generated content display data is transmitted to the client terminal device 90 (step S28). The client terminal device 90 displays the content on the display unit 92 based on the received content display data (step S29).

  As described above, according to the above embodiment, the tree-type hierarchical folder structure used in a personal computer or the like can be expressed succinctly, the user can easily understand the hierarchical structure of the folder, and simple input such as a remote control. A user interface that can be operated using a device can be provided.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, an appropriate user interface can be provided according to the aspect ratio of the screen, the orientation of the apparatus, the number of contents to be displayed, and the number of characters.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the tree-type hierarchical folder structure can be expressed in a list list format, so that the folder structure can be expressed by an OSD or a small display with a low resolution.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the directory can be moved and the contents can be selected basically using only the cursor button (up / down / left / right button), the enter button, and the back button. The operation can be performed only with a simple input device such as the above.

  In the above embodiment, the description has been made assuming the OSD of the HDD recorder and the small display of the portable audio player. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In recent years, a personal computer is connected to the TV screen and a user interface is displayed on the OSD. However, it can be operated with a remote control and can be applied to the personal computer itself. Furthermore, since Windows 7 (registered trademark) is equipped with a sensor API, it is possible to switch the UI by determining the orientation of the apparatus with a notebook PC or the like.

  The vertical folder user interface and the horizontal folder user interface of the content management apparatus according to the present invention are characterized in that when the tree type hierarchical folder structure is displayed, the transition from an upper layer to a lower layer folder is different.

  The vertical folder user interface of the content management apparatus according to the present invention displays a folder display unit that displays folders of the folder database and a content display unit that displays content contents of the content database side by side in the vertical direction. It is characterized by doing.

  Further, the horizontal folder user interface of the content management apparatus according to the present invention displays a folder display unit that displays the folder of the folder database and a content display unit that displays the content content of the content database side by side. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the user interface unit of the content management apparatus according to the present invention displays the file or content in the portrait direction of the display unit when displaying a large number of the file or content based on the type and content of the file or content to be displayed. Display data is generated, and when the character information of the file or content is displayed for a long time, display data for display in the horizontally long direction of the display means is generated.

  The display unit of the content management apparatus according to the present invention includes a list window that displays a folder of the folder database, and an edit window that displays the content content of the content database, and the user interface unit includes: When the list window is displayed in the vertical list format on the left and right ends of the display means, the lower layer file is also displayed in the vertical list format, and in the horizontal list format on the upper and lower ends of the display means. When the list window is displayed, the lower layer file is also displayed in a horizontal list format.

  The user interface unit of the content management apparatus according to the present invention displays the list window in a vertical list format on the left and right ends of the display unit, and then sets the display position of the list window at the upper and lower ends of the display unit. When moved, the display is changed to a horizontal list format. After the list window is displayed in the horizontal list format, the display position of the list window is moved to the left and right ends of the display means. It is characterized by changing to a vertical list format.

  Further, the user interface means of the content management apparatus according to the present invention displays the content content on the display means to the maximum on the basis of the aspect ratio of the content content displayed on the display means and the orientation of the display means, and the list window Is displayed in a list format that can be displayed in an area where the content is not displayed.

  The present invention can be applied to applications such as HDD recorders, portable information terminals, portable audio players, digital devices such as portable game machines, information processing apparatuses such as personal computers, and electronic book terminals.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Root directory 2 Current directory 3 Subdirectory 4 File 5 Content management apparatus 6 Content management system 7 Content management apparatus 10 Recording part 11 Folder database 12 Content database 20 Control part 21 User interface part 22 Folder management part 23 Content management part 24 Sensor part 25 I / O I / F
30 display unit 40 root directory 41 current directory 43 subdirectory 45 file 50, 51 current directory 52 subdirectory 53 file 60 editing window 61 list window 70 recording unit 71 folder database 72 content database 80 control unit 81 user interface unit 82 folder management unit 83 Content Management Department 85 Transmission / Reception I / F
90 Client terminal device 91 Control unit 92 Display unit 93 Sensor unit 94 Transmission / reception I / F

Claims (13)

Recording means for storing at least a folder database and a content database;
Sensor means for detecting the orientation and tilt of the device;
Display means for displaying data stored in the recording means;
User interface means for generating display data for displaying the folder structure of the folder database and the content data of the content database on the display means based on the information detected by the sensor means;
Control means for controlling the sensor means and the user interface means;
Have
The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface means generates the display data by switching between a vertical folder user interface and a horizontal folder user interface that display a tree-type hierarchical folder structure.   The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vertical folder user interface and the horizontal folder user interface are different in a way of transition from an upper layer to a lower folder when the tree type hierarchical folder structure is displayed.   2. The vertical folder user interface displays a folder display unit for displaying folders in the folder database and a content display unit for displaying content contents in the content database side by side in a vertical direction. Or the content management apparatus of 2.   2. The horizontal folder user interface displays a folder display unit that displays a folder of the folder database and a content display unit that displays the content content of the content database side by side in the horizontal direction. 2. The content management apparatus according to 2.   The user interface means generates display data for displaying in the portrait direction of the display means when displaying a large number of the files or contents based on the type and contents of the file or contents to be displayed, 5. The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when displaying character information of a file or content for a long time, display data to be displayed in a horizontally long direction of the display unit is generated. The display means includes a list window that displays folders of the folder database, and an editing window that displays content contents of the content database,
When the user interface means displays the list window in the vertical list format on the left and right edges of the display means, the lower layer file is also displayed in the vertical list format, and horizontally displayed on the upper and lower ends of the display means. 5. The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the list window is displayed in a directional list format, a lower layer file is also displayed in a horizontal list format. 6.   The user interface means displays the list window in a vertical list format on the left and right ends of the display means, and then moves the list window in the horizontal direction when the display position of the list window is moved to the upper and lower ends of the display means. If the display position of the list window is moved to the left or right end of the display means after the list window is displayed in the horizontal list format and the list window is displayed in the horizontal format, the display format is changed to the vertical list format. The content management apparatus according to claim 6.   The user interface means displays the content content at the maximum on the display means based on the aspect ratio of the content content displayed on the display means and the orientation of the display means, and the content content is not displayed in the list window. The content management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the content management apparatus displays the list in a form that can be displayed in the area. A content management system comprising a content management device and a client terminal device connected to a network,
The content management device includes:
Interface means for transmitting and receiving data;
Recording means for storing at least a folder database and a content database;
In order to display the folder configuration of the folder database and the content data of the content database on the terminal device based on the orientation and inclination information of the terminal device received from the client terminal device, a tree-type hierarchical folder structure is displayed. A user interface means for generating display data by switching between a vertical folder user interface and a horizontal folder user interface;
Control means for controlling the user interface unit;
Have
The client terminal device
Interface means for transmitting and receiving data;
Display means for displaying the display data received from the content management device;
Sensor means for detecting the orientation and inclination of the display unit and the device;
Control means for controlling the client terminal device;
A content management system characterized by comprising: A recording process for storing at least a folder database and a content database;
A sensor process for detecting the orientation and inclination of the display unit and the device;
Based on the information detected in the sensor process, a vertical folder user interface and a horizontal type that display a tree-type hierarchical folder structure to display the folder structure of the folder database and the content data of the content database on the display unit A display data generation step of switching between a folder user interface and generating display data;
Displaying the generated display data on the display unit;
A content management method comprising: A content management method of a content management system comprising a content management device and a client terminal device connected to a network,
The content management device is
An interface process for transmitting and receiving data;
A recording process for storing at least a folder database and a content database;
In order to display the folder configuration of the folder database and the content data of the content database on the terminal device based on the orientation and inclination information of the terminal device received from the client terminal device, a tree-type hierarchical folder structure is displayed. A user interface process for generating display data by switching between a vertical folder user interface and a horizontal folder user interface;
A control step of controlling the user interface unit;
Have
The client terminal device
An interface process for transmitting and receiving data;
A display step of displaying the display data received from the content management device;
A sensor process for detecting the orientation and inclination of the display unit and the device;
A control step of controlling the client terminal device;
A content management method characterized by comprising:   The program for making a computer perform the content management method of Claim 10 or 11.   A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the content management method according to claim 12.

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